The Time Leaper (Chapter 5)

Chapter 5: The Fireworks Seems Silent

Three months. That's how long it's been since I asked Yue if I could court her. In that time, we've shared countless moments-stolen glances, soft laughter, and conversations that stretched into the early hours. With Yue, everything felt natural, as if we'd known each other for years.

From the beginning, I made a choice: when it came to Yue, I wouldn't use my time leap. I wanted our experiences to be genuine-every reaction, every mistake, every smile. Occasionally, the urge to slip back in time would surface, but Yue had a way of grounding me. A touch of her hand, the sound of her voice, or just her presence anchored me to the present, making me forget I ever had the ability in the first place.

Today was special. I was picking her up from university for a full day together-just the two of us. Leaning against my car, I watched students spill out of the building. Then, there she was-Yue. Her ponytail bounced slightly with each step, and when she spotted me, her face lit up.

"Did I make you wait?" she asked, reaching me.

I shook my head, smiling. "Nah, I just got here too."

She gave me a knowing look. "You always say that."

I chuckled, opening the passenger door for her. "Well, let's just say I don't mind waiting for you."

As she settled into the seat, she glanced at me. "So, where are we going?"

I smirked. "It's a surprise."

She laughed softly, resting her chin on her hand. "You really do plan these things out, huh?"

I focused on the road. "We don't get many chances like this. College keeps you busy."

She tilted her head. "And you?"

I hesitated. "I guess I've got my own ways of making time."

She hummed, turning to watch the city blur past.

The amusement park buzzed with life-children darting ahead of their parents, couples strolling hand in hand, and the scent of sweet cotton candy mingling with fried food. Yue's eyes widened as we approached the entrance.

"You really brought me here?" she asked, practically bouncing.

"I figured you'd like it," I said, watching her reaction.

"Like it? I love amusement parks!" She grabbed my arm. "Let's go on the rides!"

I laughed. "Alright, alright. Where to first?"

She scanned the area, her gaze landing on the roller coaster. "That one!"

I blinked. "You're serious?"

"Of course! What, are you scared?" She smirked.

I scoffed. "Me? Scared? Please. Let's go."

As we queued for the roller coaster, the anticipation built. The clinking of the tracks, the distant screams of riders-it all added to the excitement. Once seated, the ascent began, the world dropping away beneath us. The ride was fast, thrilling, and loud-but all I could focus on was Yue's laughter beside me. It was the kind of laughter that made my chest warm, making everything in the world feel just right.

After the exhilaration of the roller coaster, we wandered through the park, hand in hand. The vibrant atmosphere was infectious. We challenged each other at various carnival games, and to my surprise, Yue had a competitive streak.

At the shooting gallery, she picked up the rifle with a determined glint in her eye. "Watch and learn," she teased.

I chuckled. "Alright, show me what you've got."

With steady aim, she hit target after target, racking up points. When the game ended, she had outscored me by a wide margin.

"Impressive," I admitted, handing her the oversized stuffed animal she won.

She grinned, hugging the prize. "Told you."

As we continued, the aroma of freshly made waffles and funnel cakes wafted through the air. We couldn't resist stopping for a treat. Sharing a plate of warm, sugary goodness, we found a spot to sit and watch a nearby parade. Performers in vibrant costumes danced by, and Yue's eyes sparkled with delight.

"This reminds me of festivals back home," she said, taking another bite.

"Yeah? Tell me more about them," I encouraged.

She launched into stories of her childhood, the local fairs, and the traditions she cherished. Listening to her, I felt a deeper connection forming, as if I was being invited into her world.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the park, we made our way to the Ferris wheel. The line was short, and soon we were seated in a cabin, ascending slowly. The higher we went, the more breathtaking the view became. The entire park sprawled below us, lights twinkling as dusk settled in.

Yue leaned against the glass, her expression serene. "This is beautiful."

I wasn't looking at the view-I was looking at her. "Yeah... it really is."

She turned, catching my gaze. "You're staring."

I didn't look away. "Can you blame me?"

She smiled, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "Horace... do you ever think about the future?"

Her question caught me off guard. "The future?"

"Yeah," she said, her voice gentle. "Where we'll be, what we'll be doing... together."

I took a deep breath, considering her words. "I used to dwell on the past a lot. But with you, I find myself looking forward, wanting to make new memories."

She reached out, intertwining her fingers with mine. Her touch was warm, grounding me in the moment. The hum of the Ferris wheel was barely noticeable, the rest of the world fading into the background. It was just her and me, suspended in the air, caught between the past and an unwritten future.

She squeezed my hand slightly, her thumb brushing against my skin. "That makes me happy, you know?" she said softly. "I was scared at first. That maybe this feeling was just temporary. But every day, you keep proving me wrong."

I turned slightly, facing her completely. The soft glow of the amusement park lights reflected in her eyes, making them shine like tiny galaxies. "Yue," I murmured, swallowing the nervous lump in my throat. "You don't have to be scared. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she hesitated. I could see the emotions swimming in her eyes-hope, affection, maybe even love. My heart pounded against my ribcage, a steady, relentless rhythm, like a drum leading me to this very moment.

As we reached the top, the Ferris wheel came to a gentle stop. It was as if the universe had given us this brief moment, a pocket of time where nothing else mattered. The air was crisp, and the city stretched out below us, twinkling with endless possibilities.

I exhaled, steadying myself. "Yue," I began, my voice quieter now, but firm. "These past three months have been incredible. I can't imagine my life without you. Every second I spend with you, I just... I want more of it. More moments like this. More days where I can make you laugh, hear your stories, and see that look in your eyes when you're happy."

Her breath hitched slightly, but she didn't look away. If anything, she leaned in, listening intently, as if she was memorizing every word.

I licked my lips, my fingers tightening slightly around hers. "I know this might not be the most extravagant confession, but it's the most honest one I can give. Yue, will you be my girlfriend?"

For a moment, she didn't speak. The anticipation stretched between us, making my pulse roar in my ears. Then, a small, knowing smile curved her lips, her eyes glistening under the night sky.

"I thought you'd never ask," she whispered.

Relief, happiness-something even deeper than that-surged through me all at once. Before I could process it, she closed the distance between us, her lips brushing against mine in a kiss so soft, so full of unspoken promises, that it left me breathless.

At that moment, fireworks erupted in the sky, bursts of brilliant colors painting the night with golds, blues, and reds. The world should have been deafening. The cheers from below, the music, the crackling of fireworks-it should have been overwhelming.

But I heard none of it.

For me, the world had gone silent.

All I could feel was Yue-all I could focus on was her. The way her fingers curled slightly against my palm, the warmth of her skin, the way her breath mingled with mine as we deepened the kiss. My entire world had narrowed down to this one person, to this one moment. The fireworks blazed in the sky, each explosion painting her in shifting colors, but I only saw her. Only felt her.

Time stretched, the kiss lingering as if neither of us wanted to let go. My hands slid gently to cup her face, memorizing every inch of warmth beneath my fingertips. She tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss in response, her hands tightening around mine as if anchoring me in place.

Another round of fireworks burst above us, illuminating the night with a dazzling array of colors. Yet, in the midst of it all, my world remained quiet.

The Ferris wheel creaked softly as it finally resumed its descent, but I still felt weightless. As the colors of the fireworks reflected in Yue's eyes, she let out a small, content sigh and rested her forehead against mine.

"So, does this mean I get to steal more of your time from now on?" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.

I chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yue, you already own all of it."

She smiled-soft, radiant, and real. And I knew, without a doubt, that this was exactly where I was meant to be.

As we remained at the top, still wrapped in each other's warmth, I couldn't help but think to myself-

The fireworks seem so quiet.